Ignores the value of earning status.

- At the gate at ORD. In J on a mileage upgrade from a Web special to LHR. Ask how full the plane is and if they'll be moving people forward. Agent says "possibly, but that would only be for our best customers." Take out black EXP card. Get 3F.

- Delayed overnight by weather at ORD. Agent says "you'd normally be on your own for a hotel when there's a weather delay, but we take care of our best customers." Room and breakfast at the Hilton.

- Checking in at NRT last month for SJC. "Don't board right away, sir. If one person who hasn't checked in yet doesn't show up, we can move you into business class." I waited. It happened.

- Getting ready to board the long overnight flight from SCL to DFW. Had spent the day hiking all around Santiago, was tired, scruffy and more. "We have an upgrade for you, sir."

None of these (plus others) took any miles, but if I hadn't flown the miles, they wouldn't have happened!